Commission’s challenges not met by free tertiary policy
Tertiary Education Commission’s challenges not met by free tertiary policy
9 JUNE 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
Responding to the release of the Tertiary Education Commission’s briefing to the incoming minister, New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said, “The Government is putting ideology over sound advice."
“The TEC points to poor decision making from students as a key challenge. If the TEC thinks students already change their course, drop out, or act impulsively, they should be prepared for a huge increase in these problems when students don’t have a financial stake in their education.”
“The TEC also points to a lack of public benefits from some courses being a challenge for the sector. We agree, which is why those who receive most of the benefits from tertiary study (the students) should have to front up and contribute financially towards their qualification. The Government's tertiary policy completely ignores that reality."
“One of the main aims of the TEC is shifting towards ‘investing in outcomes’. Even though the briefing specifically warns against measuring success by looking at tertiary participation rates, that’s Labour's main justification for its "free" tertiary policy. Clearly, this Government prefers ideology over evidence."
ENDS